Sen. Maynard returns to legislature after serious injury

Published 10:02 am, Wednesday, January 7, 2015

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Connecticut state Sen. Andrew Maynard received a standing ovation in his return to the General Assembly on Wednesday, six months after suffering a traumatic head injury in a fall outside his home.

The Stonington Democrat waved to fellow senators as they cheered for him Wednesday morning on the opening day of the 2015 legislative session. He was scheduled to be sworn in to a fifth term in his first public appearance since the injury.

Maynard's appearance surprised many lawmakers, who weren't sure if he would attend the opening day festivities.

"Andy insisted that he return to the Senate circle and join his colleagues in taking the oath of office," said Denise Mahoney, Maynard's sister. She called her brother's rate of recovery from his injuries "nothing short of remarkable."

Maynard was seriously injured in July when he fell from a staircase outside his home, suffering both physical injuries and a traumatic brain injury. His condition prevented him from campaigning, but he easily won re-election in November to the district representing eight towns in southeastern Connecticut.

Senate Democrats said Maynard is currently undergoing physical and occupational therapy to improve his balance, strengthen his right arm and refine the use of his right hand. The accident also left Maynard with a condition called aphasia, which impairs his ability to speak. He can, however, process language and understand others.

"As part of his ongoing recovery he is working he is working with a speech therapist," according to a statement from the Senate Democrats. "Although he is making progress, he currently has some difficulty retrieving words and names."